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Updated: Apr 10, 2026
Real-Time Measurement of the Mitochondrial Bioenergetic Profile of Neutrophils
Published on: June 2, 2023
Pure Mitochondrial DNA Does Not Activate Human Neutrophils in vitro
A S Prikhodko1, A K Shabanov, L A Zinovkina
1Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
Abstract:
Excessive activation of the innate immune system often leads to fatal consequences and can be considered as one of the phenoptotic events. After traumatic injury, various components of mitochondria are released into the circulation and stimulate myeloid cells of the innate immunity. Presumably, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) might activate immune cells (Zhang, Q., et al. (2010) Nature, 464, 104-107). In the present study, we investigated the role of mtDNA as a direct activator of human neutrophils, as well as a prognostic marker in patients with severe trauma. Quantitative determination of mtDNA in the plasma of these patients revealed its significant increase (p < 0.02) in the group of survivors compared to non-survivors. Highly purified mtDNA was not able to induce activation of human neutrophils, thus possibly indicating the existence of additional factor(s) ensuring the recognition of mtDNA as a damage-associated molecular pattern.
Insights
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) levels increase in trauma survivors, but purified mtDNA alone does not activate immune cells. Further research is needed to identify factors that enable mtDNA recognition as a damage-associated molecular pattern.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Trauma Research
- Mitochondrial Biology
Background:
- Excessive innate immune system activation can be fatal.
- Traumatic injury releases mitochondrial components, potentially activating immune cells.
- Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is hypothesized to activate immune cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of mtDNA in activating human neutrophils.
- To assess mtDNA as a prognostic marker in severe trauma patients.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative determination of plasma mtDNA levels in trauma patients.
- In vitro testing of purified mtDNA's effect on human neutrophils.
Main Results:
- Plasma mtDNA levels were significantly higher in survivors versus non-survivors (p < 0.02).
- Highly purified mtDNA did not induce human neutrophil activation.
Conclusions:
- mtDNA may serve as a prognostic marker in severe trauma.
- Additional factors are likely required for mtDNA to be recognized as a damage-associated molecular pattern by immune cells.
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